Dental night guard

Night Guard for Bruxism: What It Is and How It Works

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A night guard — also called an occlusal splint or bite guard — is a custom-made dental device worn over the teeth during sleep to protect against the damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero, specialist in oral medicine and TMJ dysfunction at Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia, prescribes and fits night guards as part of a comprehensive bruxism assessment that includes bite analysis and jaw examination.

Bruxism affects an estimated 10% of adults and up to 15% of children — and the majority are unaware they grind their teeth until a dentist identifies the signs of wear. Left untreated, bruxism causes progressive tooth wear, fractures, jaw pain, headaches and can ultimately require expensive restorative treatment.

The first consultation is completely free. Call us on 0800 048 8058 or email office@dentalasensio.co.uk to book.

What a night guard does

Function How it helps
Protects teeth from wear The guard absorbs grinding forces — the guard wears instead of the teeth
Prevents fractures Distributes bite forces evenly, reducing the risk of cracked teeth and failed restorations
Relieves jaw muscle tension Repositions the jaw in a relaxed position — reduces headaches, neck pain and facial soreness
Protects dental implants and crowns Bruxism is a major risk factor for implant failure and ceramic fractures — a guard is often prescribed alongside restorative treatment
Reduces TMJ dysfunction symptoms Unloads the temporomandibular joint — first-line treatment for TMJ disorders

Types of night guard

Type Material Best for
Hard acrylic splint Rigid acrylic Moderate to severe bruxism — most durable and effective
Soft guard Flexible thermoplastic Mild bruxism — more comfortable initially
Dual-laminate splint Soft inner / hard outer Combination of comfort and protection

Frequently asked questions

How is a night guard made at Asensio?

A digital or physical impression of your teeth is taken at the first appointment. The guard is then custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory to fit your exact bite. Fitting and adjustment is completed at a second appointment. Both visits can be completed in a single trip to Valencia.

Can I get a night guard if I have dental implants?

Yes — and it is strongly recommended. Bruxism significantly increases the risk of peri-implantitis and ceramic crown fracture. Patients with dental implants or zirconia crowns who grind their teeth should always wear a protective splint.

Is a night guard the same as a TMJ splint?

Not exactly — there are different types of occlusal splints for different purposes. A bruxism guard primarily protects the teeth. A TMJ repositioning splint is designed to change the jaw position and unload the joint. See our guide to TMJ dysfunction treatment for more detail.

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Dental Curettage

Dental Curettage Abroad — Deep Gum Cleaning in Spain

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Dental curettage abroad at Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia is a deep periodontal cleaning procedure that removes bacterial deposits from the root surfaces inside the periodontal pocket — areas that standard scaling cannot reach. Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero, specialist in oral medicine and periodontal treatment, performs curettage as the primary non-surgical treatment for periodontitis.

Periodontitis affects one in two adults over 35. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — and it is a direct contraindication for dental implants. Curettage halts the progression of the disease, restores the conditions for gum healing and, where implants are planned, clears the infection that would otherwise cause implant failure.

The first consultation is completely free. Call us on 0800 048 8058 or email office@dentalasensio.co.uk to book.

Gingivitis vs periodontitis — what is the difference?

Condition What it involves Reversible? Treatment
Gingivitis Inflammation of the gums — bleeding on brushing, redness. No bone loss. Yes Professional cleaning + improved hygiene
Periodontitis Infection spreads to bone — pocket formation, bone and tissue destruction, tooth mobility No — but halted with treatment Curettage — deep cleaning of root surfaces

The curettage procedure at Asensio

Local anaesthetic is applied to the affected area. The dental hygienist then uses curettes — specialist instruments — to scrape bacterial deposits, tartar and infected tissue from the root surfaces inside the periodontal pocket. The root surface is then smoothed to remove roughness that traps bacteria. The procedure creates the conditions for the gum tissue to reattach to the cleaned root surface and heal.

Post-procedure instructions include avoiding smoking for 48 hours, brushing gently with a sensitive toothpaste, and using dental floss. A review appointment is scheduled 4–6 weeks after treatment to assess healing.

Symptoms of gum disease — when to act

Symptom What it may indicate
Bleeding gums when brushing Gingivitis — earliest warning sign. Do not ignore bleeding gums.
Gum recession Bone loss causing gums to pull away from the teeth
Bad breath or bad taste Bacterial activity in periodontal pockets
Pus from the gum Active infection — requires urgent treatment
Tooth mobility or shifting Advanced bone loss — curettage or surgery required

Frequently asked questions

Is dental curettage painful?

Curettage is performed under local anaesthetic — the procedure itself is not painful. Post-procedure sensitivity and mild soreness typically resolve within 2–3 days. Some patients experience temporary gum recession as swelling reduces after treatment.

How many curettage sessions are needed?

Typically one to four sessions depending on the number of teeth affected and the severity of the disease. Each session treats one quadrant of the mouth. All sessions can be scheduled during a single trip to Valencia where clinically appropriate.

Do I need curettage before dental implants?

Yes — active periodontal disease must be fully controlled before dental implants can be placed. Implants placed in a mouth with uncontrolled periodontitis are at high risk of peri-implantitis and failure. At Asensio, periodontal assessment is part of every implant treatment plan.

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